Tivoli!

When we returned from Roskilde, several of us talked of visiting Tivoli Gardens. It is the second oldest amusement park in the world (the oldest is also in Copenhagen), it served as Walt Disney’s inspiration for his parks, and it was located about a block from our hotel. I was spent after a very long day, and I strongly considered not going. I collapsed in my room and debated whether I would go back out. What got me up out of my bed was the thought that I would really regret if I did not go. That same feeling pushed me to purchase the “unlimited rides” pass as well. I had a blast. We visited the fun house, rode several rides including three roller coasters, and wandered the park. I could not believe how much was hidden between the walls of this amusement park. In the space of two city blocks, they managed to squeeze in an enormous facility. One roller coaster was on top of a section of shops and food stands. Another ride went below ground and wound itself like a corkscrew. Yet another example of how the Danes are masterful with limited space. I liked how many of the rides contained a surprise element. The biggest drop on the roller coasters wasn’t where you would expect it, and there were tunnels or branches that appeared like they were going to knock your head off. We rode the world’s oldest wooden roller coaster, where a man rode in the middle of the cars and operated a hand break to manually slow the coaster during the ride. Several of the rides felt very familiar, like the Hans Christian Anderson ride that Disney copied with It’s a Small World and the old roller coaster that felt just like Thunder Mountain. The real challenge for me was going on the swings, which were 80 meters high and left very little between you and the city whizzing under your feet. They were so high that I had noticed them every time we walked by the park and had thought "heck, no!" But this week is about stepping out and experiencing new things, so I went for it. Once, only once.

The Swings from below, after my ride. You probably would be able to see my white knuckles from here.

We were so caught up in our rides that we almost missed eating. The park has several very nice (read: expensive) restaurants and many food booths. It was comical how it went--we practically ran around watching one booth close up after another. At what had to be the last available spot, we were able to get hot dogs. Just the dogs. All the side items were gone. I chose one called the "Dame" dog. Basically, I got the ladies' hot dog. Oh well, it was dinner and it tasted pretty good. Tivoli was a magical experience, and I'm really glad that I went and had some really fun people to share it with.

Are these flowers from a Dr. Seuss book?

In front of the Chinese Pagoda--probably the most iconic image of Copenhagen.